97-584: Directly Indirectly Directly Indirectly On 5 February 2013, protests ignited in Shahbagh , Bangladesh , fueled by the call for the execution of the convicted war criminal Abdul Quader Mollah . Previously sentenced to life imprisonment, Mollah was convicted on five of six counts of war crimes by the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh. Mollah supported the West Pakistan during
194-537: A Jihad . The Al-Shams guarded infrastructure and provided logistics and intelligence support to the army. It also arrested suspects and transported them to interrogation centres that used torture. It carried out looting, rape and violence on the civilian population. According to witnesses before the International Crimes Tribunal, the Al Shams was under the command of Fazlul Quader Chowdhury and led on
291-688: A 60-day limit for the Supreme Court's Appellate Division to adjudicate appeals, ensuring expeditious case progress. In response to widespread protests, Jute and Textiles Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui announced on 12 February that a bill is in the drafting stage to prohibit Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in Bangladeshi politics. On 17 September 2013, the Bangladesh Supreme Court found Abdul Quader Mollah guilty of several counts of premeditated murder and war crimes which were committed during
388-681: A Dhaka Electric Supply Authority substation. The Mausoleum of three leaders Bengali statesman A.K. Fazlul Huq (1873–1962), former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy (1892–1963), and former Prime Minister and Governor-General of Pakistan, Khwaja Nazimuddin (1894–1964)—are all located in Shahbag. The major academic bodies around Shahbag Intersection and in Shahbagh Thana area include: University of Dhaka, Dhaka Medical College , BUET , Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU),
485-568: A centre of the flourishing muslin industry, it came to neglect and decay in early 19th century. In the mid-19th century, the Shahbagh area was developed as New Dhaka became a provincial centre of the British Raj , ending a century of decline brought on by the passing of Mughal rule. Shahbagh is the location of the nation's leading educational and public institutions, including the University of Dhaka ,
582-644: A clash between protesters and police. On 3 March, violence continued as the Jamaat-organised strike began. In Bogra Jamaat supporters attacked police outposts with sticks and homemade bombs, leading to at least eight deaths. In Godagari two deaths were reported in a similar incident, and three deaths were reported in the Joypurhat district. Violence continued in Chittagong as well, where Jamaat claimed that police opened fire without provocation. The government denied
679-460: A general pardon for the war criminals during the liberation war. Under Ershad Jamaat-e-Islami participated in 1986 election . In the 1991 election , which was the first free and fair election after independence, Jamaat got 18 seats out of 300 and gained 12.2% of vote. In 1992, the distinguished Bangladeshi writer and political activist, Jahanara Imam , led the war-crime tribunal committee, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee , advocating for
776-686: A large approximately rectangular area, extending on the east from Ramna Park to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ; on the west as far as Sonargaon Road; on the south as far as Fuller Road and from the University of Dhaka to the Suhrawardy Udyan (formerly, Ramna Racecourse); and on the north as far as Minto Road, Hotel Sheraton and the Diabetic Hospital. Shahbagh is home to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Control Room as well as
873-443: A large shoe market and, Nilkhet-Babupura , a large market for bedding accessories. Shahbagh's numerous ponds, palaces and gardens have inspired the work of artists, including poet Buddhadeva Bose , singer Protiva Bose , writer-chronicler Hakim Habibur Rahman , and two Urdu poets of 19th-century Dhaka, Obaidullah Suhrawardy and Abdul Gafoor Nassakh. Shahbag was at the centre of the cultural and political activities associated with
970-413: A nationwide dawn-to-dusk strike for 5 March, and called for countrywide rallies on 2 March to protest what she called government corruption, misrule, oppression, and "mass killings". Violent conflict continued on 2 March, with another four deaths and hundreds of injuries. In Chittagong district police opened fire on Jamaat-e-Islami protesters, leading to three deaths. In Nilphamari, a young person died in
1067-421: A political purpose", Razzaq said. Jamaat quickly called for a nationwide two-day strike, to start on 3 March. By afternoon, violence led by Jamaat-e-Islami supporters had erupted across Bangladesh. "The Jamaat-e-Islami is fighting for its political survival", said a spokesperson. By the end of the day thirty-five people were dead, including three police officers; an additional eight hundred were injured. According to
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#17328520912181164-561: A rally at the Angel Statue in Melbourne , demonstrators signed a petition to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demanding death for war criminals. On 10 February, Bangladeshi students gathered at Rutgers University in New Jersey to express solidarity with the Shahbagh protests . Bangladeshi students at the University of Delaware and nearby residents demonstrated their solidarity with
1261-402: A sculpture in memory of Bangladesh Liberation War, is also in Shahbagh. According to 2011 Census of Bangladesh , Shahbagh Thana has a population of 68,140 with average household size of 7.8 members, and an average literacy rate of 84.7% vs national average of 51.8% literacy. Al-Shams (Bangladesh) The Al-Shams ( Bengali : আল-শামস ; Urdu : الشمس ; lit. ' The sun ' )
1358-412: A venue of receptions for the statesmen of the day, including Lord Dufferin (Viceroy of India), Lord Carmichael ( Governor of Bengal ), Sir Steuart Bayley (Lt. Governor of Bengal), Sir Charles Alfred Elliott (Lt. Governor of Bengal), and John Woodburn (Lt. Governor of Bengal). The Nawab's Paribagh House was built by Khwaja Salimullah in the memory of his sister, Pari Banu. Later, with the downturn in
1455-499: Is a major neighbourhood and a police precinct or thana in Dhaka , the capital and largest city of Bangladesh . It is also a major public transport hub. It is a junction between two contrasting sections of the city— Old Dhaka and New Dhaka—which lie, respectively, to its south and north. Developed in the 17th century during Mughal rule in Bengal , when Old Dhaka was the provincial capital and
1552-437: Is a major road intersection and public transport hub located in Shahbagh thana. The intersection connects some of the important areas of Dhaka such as Gulshan , and Farmgate . It is also surrounded by some significant landmarks including Bangladesh National Museum, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Throughout its history, Shahbag square has been a place of protests and demonstrations, most notably
1649-592: Is part of the 181st electoral district of Bangladesh: Dhaka 8. In 2008 Bangladeshi general election Rashed Khan Menon of Workers Party of Bangladesh was elected as the member of Jatiyo Sangsad (member of parliament or MP) from the area. In the Dhaka City Corporation ward commissioner election of 2002 Md. Chowdhury Alam (ward 56) and Khaja Habibullah Habib (ward 57) were elected from the Shahbagh area. More than 1,000 people gathered here on 5 February 2013, growing to 20,000 people by 9 February, following
1746-495: Is the country's largest second-hand, rare, and antiquarian book-market, consisting of Nilkhet-Babupura Hawkers Market, a street market , and Aziz Supermarket, an indoor bazaar . Shahbag is also home to the largest flower market (a street side open air bazaar ) in the country, which is located at Shahbag Intersection, as well as the largest pet market in the country, the Katabon Market. In addition, Elephant Road features
1843-807: The Dhaka Gate , located near the Bangla Academy in Shahbag, and erected by Mir Jumla , the Mughal subadar of Bengal from 1660 to 1663; the Mariam Saleha Mosque , a three-domed Mughal -style mosque in Nilkhet-Babupara , constructed in 1706; the Musa Khan Mosque on the western side of Dhaka University, likely constructed in the late 17th century; and the Khwaja Shahbaz's Mosque-Tomb, located behind
1940-465: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and ordered his execution. He was subsequently executed on 12 December 2013. In the wake of Abdul Quader Molla's life imprisonment sentence on 5 February, the Shahbagh protests unfolded with increasing intensity, expanding beyond Shahbagh Square to other cities and towns. Shahbag Shahbagh (also Shahbaugh or Shahbag , Bengali : শাহবাগ , romanized : Shāhbāg , IPA: [ˈɕaɦ.baɡ] )
2037-565: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and played a crucial role in the murder of numerous Bengali nationalists and intellectuals. The demonstrations also sought the government's ban on the radical right-wing and conservative-Islamist group, Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in politics, including elections, and a boycott of institutions supporting or affiliated with the group. Protesters perceived Mollah's sentence as unduly lenient, leading bloggers and online activists to mobilize additional protests at Shahbagh, resulting in heightened participation in
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#17328520912182134-485: The 2008 general election . The Awami League -led, 14-party Grand Alliance included this issue in its election manifesto. Its rival, four-party alliance (which included the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami ) had several leaders alleged to have committed war crimes. The Grand Alliance won the election (held on 29 December 2008) with a two-thirds majority, based in part on its promise to prosecute alleged war criminals. On 29 January 2009
2231-491: The 2013 Shahbagh protests . Also located in Shahbagh are several mansions built by Dhaka Nawab Family in the 19th century. These mansions not only figured prominently in the history of Dhaka, but also gained mention in the histories of both Bengal and British India . A well-known Nawab family mansion is the Ishrat Manzil. Originally, a dance-hall for the performances of Baijees , or dancing women, (including, among
2328-656: The All India Muslim League . In 1947, to both the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan; the Bengali Language Movement in 1952, which led to the recognition of Bengali as an official language of Pakistan; and the Six point movement in 1966, which led to the nation's independence. It was here, on 7 March 1971, that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a historic speech calling for the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan, and here too, later that year, that
2425-756: The Baro-Bhuyans , apparently built a Kali temple on the site in the late 16th century, and the main temple was built by Haricharan Giri in the early 17th century. However, with the decline of Mughal power in Bengal, the Shahbagh gardens— the Gardens of the Kings —fell into neglect. In 1704, when the provincial capital was moved to Murshidabad , they became the property of the Naib Nazims ;– the Deputy-Governors of
2522-561: The Dhaka High Court and built in 1679 by Khwaja Shahbaz, a merchant-prince of Dhaka during the vice-royalty of Prince Muhammad Azam , the son of Mughal Emperor Aurengzeb . According to legends a sadhu named Gopal Giri, from Badri Narayan , established a Kali temple in Shahbagh in the 13th century. Called kaathgarh at the time, it eventually became the Ramna Kali Mandir . Iti s also said that Kedar Rai of Bikrampur , one of
2619-622: The Language movement of 1952, which resulted in the founding here of the Bangla Academy , a national academy for promoting the Bengali language . The first formal art school in Dhaka ;– the Dhaka Art College (now Faculty of Fine Arts) – was founded in Shahbag by Zainul Abedin in 1948. The art college building, constructed in 1953–1954, was designed by Mazharul Islam ,
2716-526: The Pakistani Army surrendered in the Liberation War of Bangladesh . The area has since become a staging ground for protests by students and other groups. It was the site of public protests by around 30,000 civilians on 8 February 2013, against a lenient ruling against war criminals. The neighborhood was originally named Bagh-e-Badshahi ( Persian for Garden of Kings ), but later came to be called by
2813-831: The Pohela Baishakh (the Bengali New Year) festival, celebrated every 14 April following the revised Bengali Calendar , and now the biggest carnival in Dhaka. From 1965 to 1971 the citizens of Dhaka observed the festival as a day of protest against the Pakistani regime. Other local traditions associated with the festival include the Boishakhi Rally and the Boishakhi Mela begun by the Institute of Fine Arts (now Faculty of Fine Arts) and
2910-762: The Razakars was created by the May 1971 Razakar Ordinance promulgated by Tikka Khan , the governor of East Pakistan. The ordinance stipulated the creation of a volunteer force, trained and equipped by the provincial government. The majority of East Pakistanis supported the call to create a free and independent Bangladesh during the Liberation War. However, Pakistani supporters and members of Islamic political parties, particularly Jamaat-e-islami and its east Pakistan student wing Islami Chatra Sangha (ICS, Bengali : ইসলামী ছাত্র সঙ্ঘ , romanized : Islami Chhatro Shônggho ),
3007-695: The State Department , many atrocities had been committed by the Pakistan Army and its supporter Razakars and Al-Badar militia. Time reported a high-ranking US official as saying, "It is the most incredible, calculated killing since the days of the Nazis in Poland ." Estimates are that one to three million people were killed, nearly a quarter of a million women were raped and more than ten million people fled to India to escape persecution. A paramilitary force known as
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3104-401: The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Jamaat followers were enraged by the decision, claiming that the case against Sayeedi was politically motivated. His lawyer, Abdur Razzaq, accused authorities of preventing a key witness from testifying and intentionally slanting the process. "This is a perverse judgment. It is inconceivable that a court of law awarded him a conviction. This prosecution was for
3201-500: The 2.22 acres of temple ground. After the creation of the new nation of Pakistan in 1947, when Dhaka became the capital of East Pakistan , many new buildings were built in the Shahbag area, including, in 1960, the office of Bangladesh Betar , (then Pakistan Radio ), the national radio station, the (now-defunct) Dacca race-course, as well as the second electric power-plant in East Bengal. On 7 March 1971, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman chose
3298-633: The BBC, it marked "the worst day of political violence in Bangladesh in decades". Clashes between police and Jamaat-e-Islami workers continued on 1 March, spreading to the northern districts of Gaibandha and Chapai Nawabganj . Opposition leader Khaleda Zia criticised government and called for a demonstration in the capital, Dhaka. Security measures were increased to prevent the situation from escalating. The death toll rose to forty-four (including six policemen). Former prime minister and BNP member Khaleda Zia declared
3395-570: The Bangla Academy respectively. In addition, Chayanaut Music School began the tradition of singing at dawn under the Ramna Batamul (Ramna Banyan tree). In 2001, a suicide bomber killed 10 people and injured 50 others during the Pohela Baishakh festivals. The Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami , an Islamic militant group, was alleged to be behind the incident. Books and movies figure prominently in
3492-461: The ICT found Mollah guilty of crimes against humanity. The day before the verdict was announced, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced a nationwide dawn-to-dusk general strike for 5 February in protest of their leader's conviction. Over several days, protesters increased their demands, asking for: Protest began right after the verdict was announced. Student organizations started the protest immediately after
3589-483: The Judgement in the Shahbagh square. On 7 February, demonstrations began at 8 am. Thousands of people gathered with banners, posters, Bangladeshi flags and placards in Shahbagh with their demands. On Friday afternoon, a mass rally was held at Shahbagh with an estimated attendance of more than 100,000. On 12 February, protesters observed three minutes of silence at 4 pm at Shahbagh and all across Bangladesh. In Dhaka, traffic
3686-653: The Mukti Bahini. The suspects were taken to Salauddin Quader Chowdhury's residence Goods Hill, which had been converted to a torture cell, where they were tortured and killed. Their bodies were disposed of in the Karnafuli. On 12 December, the Al Shams and the Al Badr leadership jointly prepared the blueprint for killing the intellectuals . The Al Shams and Al Badar leadership met with Major General Rao Farman Ali and finalised
3783-736: The Muslim League, the Pakistan Democratic Party (PDP) Council and Nezam-e-Islami, collaborated with the Pakistani army to resist the formation of an independent Bangladesh. The students belonging to Islami Chatra Sangha were known as the Al-Badr force; people belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Muslim League, Nizam-e-Islami and similar groups were called Al-Shams , and the Urdu-speaking people (generally known as Bihari) were known as Al-Mujahid. In November 1973 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman issued
3880-659: The Ramna Racecourse near Shahbagh to deliver his speech calling for an independent Bangladesh. On 27 March 1971, Pakistani Army destroyed the Kali temple and its 120 feet tower. During the ensuing Bangladesh Liberation War , many foreign journalists, including the Associated Press bureau chief in Pakistan, Arnold Zeitlin, and Washington Post reporter, H.D.S. Greenway stayed at Hotel InterContinental (now Hotel Sheraton ) at
3977-788: The Shahbag Intersection, as are BIRDEM (Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders) and the BIRDEM Hospital. Flanking BIRDEM hospital is the Ibrahim Memorial Cardiac Hospital, named after Dr Muhammad Ibrahim, the founder of DAB and BIRDEM. Other facilities in the area are BSMMU Hospital (at the Intersection) and the Dhaka Medical College Hospital at
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4074-692: The Shahbagh Intersection. The hotel, which had been declared a neutral zone , nonetheless came under fire from both combatants in the war—the Mukti Bahini and Pakistani army. At the conclusion of the war, the Hotel Intercontinental was at first chosen as the venue for the surrender ceremony of the West Pakistan Army ; however, the final surrender ceremony later took place in the nearby Ramna Park (now Suhrawardy Uddan). Shahbagh
4171-601: The Shahbagh Square protests, describing them as peaceful, productive and non-violent. An article in the Fletcher Forum of World Affairs by Suzannah Linton on 27 February expressed concern about "bloodlust in Bangladesh" and called on the international community to steer the process towards international standards. International media outlets such as BBC , CNN , Al Jazeera English , The New York Times , and The Independent have published numerous reports and articles on
4268-577: The Shahbagh area has become a venue for celebrating major festivals , such as the Bengali New Year and Basanta Utsab . Shahbagh's numerous ponds, palaces and gardens have inspired the work of writers, singers, and poets. With Dhaka University at its centre, the thana has been the origin of major political movements in the nation's 20th century history, including the All India Muslim Education Conference in 1905, which led to
4365-470: The Shahbagh movement on 15 February at a busy intersection in Newark, Delaware . A candlelight vigil was held that evening for Rajib, a blogger and human rights activist who was killed several hours before the demonstration. In London, protesters at Altab Ali Park in solidarity for Shahbagh were attacked by Jamaat-e-Islami supporters. Protests are held at the park every week by both sides. On 18 February British Foreign Office minister Sayeeda Warsi hailed
4462-501: The Shahbagh protesters' ultimatum. The protesters said at a press briefing that they would send an open letter to Prime Minister Hasina during the 100th hour of their protests. More than 100 organizations expressed solidarity with the hunger strikers. On 28 February the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Delwar Hossain Sayeedi , Nayeb-e-Ameer (vice-president) of Jamaat-e-Islami , to death for convictions on 8 out of 20 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during
4559-477: The Supreme Bengali Language Authority in Bangladesh. Some of the palace grounds was handed over to the TSC (Teacher Student Center ) of Dhaka University, and became a major cultural and political meeting place in the 1970s. Shahbagh is populated by mostly teachers and students, and its civic life is dominated by the activities of its academic institutions. Its commercial life too reflects its occupants' intellectual and cultural pursuits. Among its best known markets
4656-488: The charge, saying that violence against citizens and police would not be tolerated; three deaths were reported. "People in the street are very, very afraid of Jamaat-e-Islam. I am scared", reported an eyewitness in Dhaka. Jamaat supporters were accused of attacking Hindu citizens and their homes in many parts of the country, and torching Hindu temples. More than 40 temples and many statues were destroyed and scores of houses set ablaze, leaving hundreds of people homeless throughout
4753-449: The city, compared to other vehicles. The metro station of Shahbagh sits in the route of Uttara (north) to Motijheel and Kamalapur and is located between Kawran Bazar and University of Dhaka metro rail stations. The Intersection also has one of the few taxi stands in Dhaka. The thoroughfares of Shahbag has been made free of cycle- rickshaws , the traditional transport of Dhaka. Shahbagh Square , also known as Shahbagh Circle ,
4850-734: The conviction of Abdul Quader Mollah for war crimes by the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal , and his sentence to life imprisonment. Protesters thought he should have received the death sentence for his crimes, as had two other political leaders who were convicted. The protest movement gathered force, as leaders also called for the banning of Jamaat-e-Islami from politics, as two of its top leaders had been convicted of war crimes and followers had conducted violent protests and riots. The 2013 Shahbag protests have influenced national politics, and has been called 'Projonmo Chattar'. With an area of 4.2 square kilometres (1.6 sq mi) and an estimated 2006 population of 112,000 Shabag lies within
4947-410: The country. Amnesty International has urged the Bangladeshi government to provide better protection for minority Hindus. Abbas Faiz, the organization's Bangladesh researcher, has noted that the attacks on the Hindu community were a shocking development in the recent history of Bangladesh. The Shahbagh protests has attracted people from all walks of life. The Shahbagh intersection at the centre of
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#17328520912185044-450: The cultural life of Shahbagh. The biggest book fair in Bangladesh is held every February on the premises of the Bangla Academy in Shahbagh. The only internationally recognised film festival in Bangladesh—the Short and Independent Film Festival, Bangladesh—takes place every year at the National Public Library premises. The organisers of the film festival, the Bangladesh Short Film Forum , have their offices in Aziz Market. Aparajeyo Bangla ,
5141-432: The deliberations of the Dacca Committee (for the development of Dacca town) founded by district collector Henry Walters. A decade later, Nawab Khwaja Alimullah , founder of the Dhaka Nawab Family and father of Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Abdul Ghani , purchased the Shahbagh zamindari (estate) from the East India Company. Upon his death, in 1868, the estate passed to his grandson Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Ahsanullah . In
5238-451: The demonstrations. Jamaat orchestrated several counter-protests challenging the tribunal's validity and the protest movement, advocating for the release of those accused and convicted. On 15 February, blogger and activist Ahmed Rajib Haider was killed outside his house, by members of a far-right terrorist group Ansarullah Bangla Team affiliated with the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami , leading to widespread condemnation and outrage during
5335-399: The early 20th century, Ahsanullah's son, Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Salimullah , was able to reclaim some of the lost splendour of the gardens by dividing them into two smaller gardens—the present-day Shahbagh and Paribagh (or, "garden of fairies")—the latter named after Paribanu, one of Ahsanullah's daughters. With the partition of Bengal in 1905, and with Dacca becoming the capital of
5432-451: The exiled leadership of what is now Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan and armed struggle against the Pakistani Army began. This struggle was spearheaded by elements of Mukti Bahini with strong support from India. As most of the locals were in support of Mukti Bahini and those who were not were killed by Mukti Bahini, the Pakistani Army, composed largely of elements from Punjab , found itself and its cause pretty much alienated from
5529-471: The fair, a tradition that has continued down to the present. Today, the fair features dance recitals by girls, Jatra (a native form of folk theater), putul naach (puppet shows), magic shows and Bioscope shows . Historically, Shahbagh was also the main venue in Dhaka for other recreational sports like Boli Khela (wrestling) and horse racing . The Basanta Utsab (Festival of Spring) takes place every 14 February—the first day of spring, according to
5626-400: The family's fortunes, his son, Nawab Khwaja Habibullah, lived here for many years. The hammam (bath) and the hawakhana (green house) were regarded as marvels of design in the early 20th century. Sujatpur Palace, the oldest Nawab mansion in the area, later became the residence for the Governor of East Bengal during the Pakistani Regime, and was subsequently turned into the Bangla Academy ,
5723-462: The famous ones, Piyari Bai, Heera Bai, Wamu Bai and Abedi Bai), the mansion became the venue for the All-India Muslim Education Society Conference in 1906, which was attended by 4,000 participants. In 1912, Society convened here again under the leadership of Nawab Salimullah, and met with Lord Hardinge , the Viceroy of India . The Ishrat Manzil was subsequently rebuilt as Hotel Shahbagh (designed by British architects Edward Hicks and Ronald McConnel),
5820-408: The first bar in Dhaka; and Peacock , the first Dhaka bar with outdoor seating. The Shahbagh Intersection is one of the major public transportation hubs in Dhaka, along with Farmgate, Gulistan , Mohakhali , and Maghbazar . The thana also contains a hospitals complex, which is a major destination for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment. The Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB ) is located at
5917-458: The first major international hotel in Dhaka. In 1965, the building was acquired by the Institute of Post-graduate Medicine and Research (IPGMR), and later, in 1998, by the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Another Nawab mansion is the Jalsaghar. Built as a skating rink and a ballroom for the Nawabs, it was later converted into an eatery and meeting place for students and faculty of Dhaka University and renamed Madhur Canteen . In
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#17328520912186014-449: The ground by his son Salauddin Quader Chowdhury in Chittagong . The other important members were former M.P. Syed Wahidul Alam of Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Saifuddin Quader Chowdhury, the younger brother of Saluddin Quader Chowdhury. They used to patrol the neighbourhoods of Satkania, Rauzan, Boalkhali, Patia and Rangunia in a jeep. They would set fire to Hindu houses and arrest anybody they suspected of being supportive towards
6111-415: The heightened time. On 27 February of the same year, the war tribunal convicted Delwar Hossain Sayeedi , a prominent right-wing fundamental-Islamist, of war crimes against humanity and subsequently sentenced him to death. From March to December 1971, East Pakistan engaged in a nine-month conflict against West Pakistan . The Indian Army , having provided guerrilla training to the Mukti Bahini , entered
6208-406: The late 1960s, Madhur Canteen became a focal point for planning student protests against the West Pakistan regime. Flanked on one side by the Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts and on the other by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), the Madhur Canteen remains a powerful political symbol. Nishat Manjil was built as the princely stable and clubhouse for the Nawabs, and served as
6305-399: The late 19th and early 20th centuries, the gardens were the private property of the Nawab of Dhaka, and, although a portion of the gardens had been donated to Dhaka University in 1918, ordinary citizens could enter the main gardens only during the fair. In 1921, at the request of the Nawab's daughter, Paribanu, the organisers of the fair set aside one day during which only women were admitted to
6402-413: The leader of Jamat-e-Islami Motiur Rahman Nizami served as the Minister of Agriculture, then as the Minister of Industry from 2003 to 2006, and general the secretary Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed served the Ministry of Social Welfare between 2001 and 2006. Since 2000, there has been growing demands in Bangladesh for justice related to war crimes committed during the 1971 struggle; the issue was central to
6499-413: The local populace. To counter this situation, the Pakistan Army accepted help from Islamic fundamentalist parties including Jamaat-e-Islami , proclaiming Jihad against Indians, to seek unity among the population for the two wings of Pakistan , in the name of religion. The PPP played an active role in its formation. It also recruited from the Urdu speaking Bihari population of East-Pakistan. This
6596-440: The monsoon climate zone at an elevation of 1.5 to 13 metres (5 to 43 ft) above mean sea level. Like rest of Dhaka city it has an annual average temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) and monthly means varying between 18 °C (64 °F) in January and 29 °C (84 °F) in August. Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 1,854 mm (73 in) occurs between May and September. The Shahbagh neighbourhood covers
6693-443: The nerve centre of the neighbourhood, is the location of many Dhaka landmarks. Well-known ones include Hotel Sheraton (formerly Hotel Intercontinental, the second five-star hotel in Dhaka); the Dhaka Club , the oldest and largest club in Dhaka, established in 1911; the National Tennis Complex; Shishu Park , the oldest children's entertainment park in Dhaka, notable for admitting underprivileged children gratis on weekends; Sakura ,
6790-438: The new Parliament unanimously passed a resolution to prosecute war criminals. The government intended to use the 1973 law: the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. The government worked to amend the law, updating it and incorporating in it other nations' experience. The amendments provided the legal basis for the trial of individuals and political parties that had committed war crimes during Bangladesh liberation war. The government
6887-527: The new province of East Bengal , European-style houses were rapidly built in the area, especially along the newly constructed Fuller Road (named after Sir Bampfylde Fuller, the first Lieutenant Governor of East Bengal). Around this time, the first zoo in the Dhaka area was also established in Shahbag. Rani Bilasmani of Bhawal established a new idol in the Kali temple and excavated a large pond in front of it during this period. In 1924, Anandamayi Ma moved into Shabag and established Anandamayi Asharam inside
6984-479: The oldest and largest public university in Bangladesh, Dhaka Medical College , the largest medical college in the country, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology , the largest public university for technological studies in the country. Shahbagh hosts many street markets and bazaars . Since Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971,
7081-759: The only public medical university in the country, Institute of Cost & Management Accountants , IBA , Institute of Modern Languages , Udayan School, University Laboratory School, and the Engineering University School. Other public and educational institutions in the area include the Bangladesh National Museum , the Central Public Library , and the Shishu Academy , the National Academy for Children. The Shahbagh Intersection,
7178-670: The pioneer of modern architecture in Bangladesh. In the 1970s, Aftabuddin Ahmed and M. M. Yacoob opened Jiraz Art Gallery in the Shahbag area. Other cultural landmarks in the area include the Bangladesh National Museum, the National Public Library, and the Dhaka University Mosque and Cemetery, containing the graves of Kazi Nazrul Islam , the national poet, of painters Zainul Abedin and Quamrul Hassan , and of
7275-684: The position of caretaker of Shahbagh gardens a few years earlier. In 1971 the Temple of Kali was destroyed by the Pakistani Army in the Liberation War of Bangladesh. A well-known local Muslim saint of the early 20th century was Syed Abdur Rahim, supervisor of the dairy farm established by Khwaja Salimullah, the Nawab of Dhaka, at Paribag. Known as the Shah Shahib of Paribag , Abdur Rahim had his khanqah (Persian: خانگاه, spiritual retreat) here; his tomb lies at
7372-482: The primary sources of information about the Shahbagh protests among its activists. Bangladeshis utilized the X (formally Twitter) hashtag #shahbag to provide live updates on the movement. The demonstration exerted pressure on the government, prompting amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act to facilitate the swift execution of war criminals upon conviction. The cabinet established
7469-403: The prosecution of Ghulam Azam , the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami and a convicted war criminal. On 26 March 1992, the committee organized mock trials in Dhaka, known as Gono Adalat (The People's Court), symbolically 'sentencing' individuals they accused of being war criminals. In 2001 Election, Bangladesh Nationalist party in coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami won the election. From 2001 to 2003,
7566-621: The protests has been referred to as "Generation Circle" ( Bengali : প্রজন্ম চত্ত্বর Projônmo Chôttor ) or "Shahbagh Square", in a nod to the events which unfolded in Tahrir Square , Cairo . The protest spread from Shahbagh to other parts of the country, with sit-ins and demonstrations in Chittagong , Rajshahi , Khulna , Sylhet , Barisal , Mymensingh , Rajbari , Rangpur , Comilla , Bogra , Narayanganj , Sunamganj , Noakhali and Narsingdi . State Minister for Law, Quamrul Islam, said that
7663-862: The protests through social media websites Facebook and Twitter. Demonstrations of solidarity have also taken place in Australia, Malaysia , Germany, and the United States. Bangladeshis in New York City joined in a symbolic protest on 9 February at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights . A mass sit-in was organised by the Bangladeshi community in Sydney on 10 February at the International Mother Language Monument in Sydney Ashfield Park. At
7760-454: The protests, with BBC Bangla closely monitoring and documenting the events. Additionally, Reuters photographer Andrew Biraj published live photographs from the massive Shahbagh demonstrations. Social media played a crucial role in disseminating news globally about events at Shahbagh. A Facebook event was created, calling for a protest at Shahbagh, resulting in the formation of the viral human chain on 5 February 2013. Facebook served as one of
7857-399: The reformed Bangladeshi calendar . Basanta Utsab has become a major festival in Dhaka since it was first celebrated in Shahbagh in the 1960s. Face painting, wearing yellow clothes (signifying Spring), music, and local fairs are typical of the many activities associated with the festival, which often also includes themes associated with Valentine's Day . Shahbagh is also a focal point of
7954-445: The release of its leaders. Actions included firing gunshots, smashing and setting fire to vehicles and detonating homemade bombs. Violence was targeted at police stationed in the capital, Dhaka, and major cities such as Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Chittagong, Rangpur, Dinajpur and Khulna. Several Jamaat-Shibir political activists were arrested during the strikes and confrontations with police. Bangladeshis abroad have expressed solidarity with
8051-510: The same location today. Katabon Mosque , an important centre for Muslim missionaries in Bangladesh, is located in Shahbag as well. In addition, the only Sikh Gurdwara in Dhaka stands next to the Institute of Modern Languages in Shahbagh. Since 1875, the Shahbagh gardens have hosted a famous fair celebrating the Gregorian New Year and containing exhibits of agricultural and industrial items, as well as those of animals and birds. In
8148-463: The shortened name Shah (Persian:شاه, king) Bagh (Persian: باغ, garden). Although urban settlements in the Dhaka area date back to the seventh century CE , the earliest evidence of urban construction in the Shahbagh area is to be found at monuments constructed after 1610, when the Mughals turned Dhaka into a provincial capital and established the gardens of Shahbag. Among these monuments are:
8245-556: The silent protest. On 21 February, International Mother Language Day , the number of protesters reached a new high. Its leadership declared 26 March 2013, the Independence Day of Bangladesh, as the deadline for the government to ban Jamaat-e-Islami from politics. Seven protesters began a fast until death on 26 March at 10:30 pm in front of the National Museum, protesting "inadequate government action" to ban Jamaat in response to
8342-428: The southern end of Shahbagh. Located at the juncture of two major bus routes – Gulistan to Mirpur and Motijheel to Uttara – Shahbagh Intersection serves as a public transport hubs in Dhaka, where the population commutes exclusively by the city bus services. The Shahbagh intersection hosts the Shahbagh metro station of MRT Line 6 , which offers a safe, reliable and fast method of transportation to other parts of
8439-484: The state prosecutors. Golam Arif Tipu was named Chief Prosecutor. Others prosecutors were Syed Rezaur Rahman, Golam Hasnayen, Rana Das Gupta, Zahirul Huq, Nurul Islam Sujan, Syed Haider Ali, Khandaker Abdul Mannan, Mosharraf Hossain Kajal, Ziad Al-Malum, Sanjida Khanom and Sultan Mahmud Semon. A formal charge was filed by the prosecution against Abdul Quader Mollah on 18 December 2011. He was charged with: On 5 February 2013,
8536-410: The state to appeal Mollah's life sentence. Jamaat-e-Islami, which was already staging protests against the impending trial of its leaders, called for a general strike . Jamaat continues to demand that the international war crimes tribunal be stopped and its party leaders freed. Jamaat supporters had staged nationwide demonstrations with increasing frequency from November 2012 to February 2013, demanding
8633-562: The sub-province of East Bengal – and the representatives of the Nawabs of Murshidabad. Although British power was established in Dacca in 1757, the upkeep of Shahbag gardens was resumed only in the early 19th century under the patronage of an East India Company judge, Griffith Cook, and P. Aratun. In 1830, the Ramna area, which included Shahbag, was incorporated into Dhaka city consequent to
8730-546: The teachers killed by Pakistani forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The Shahbagh area has a rich religious history. In the late 1920s, Sri Anandamoyi Ma , the noted Hindu ascetic, also known as the Mother of Shahbagh , built her ashram near Ramna Kali Mandir , or the Temple of Kali , at Ramna. Her presence in Dhaka owed directly to Shahbagh, for her husband, Ramani Mohan Chakrabarti, had accepted
8827-556: The verdict against Abdul Quader Mollah could have been different if people had taken to the streets sooner. The government is planning to file appeals with the Supreme Court contesting the sentence for Mollah. On 11 February the Cabinet approved proposed amendments to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act 1973, introducing a provision for plaintiffs to appeal verdicts handed down by the tribunal. This amendment, if passed, would enable
8924-687: The war on 3 December 1971, supporting East Pakistan's liberation. The armed conflict culminated on 16 December 1971, with the surrender of the Pakistani Armed Forces to the joint force of Bangladesh and India in East Pakistan. This surrender marked the formation of the People's Republic of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation. According to the famous Blood telegram from the United States consulate in Dhaka (formerly known as 'Dacca') to
9021-543: The war, the government of Bangladesh officially banned the group. Al-Shams is an Arabic word meaning 'The Sun' and also the name of a Surah in the Quran , Surat Ash-Shams . Al Shams and Al-Badr were local Bengali and Bihari armed groups formed by the Pakistan Army which were mostly recruited from the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami to fight out and resist Mukti Bahini . On 25 March 1971, after Operation Searchlight ,
9118-459: Was a collaborationist paramilitary wing allied with several Islamist parties in East Pakistan , comprising both local Bengalis and Muhajirs . Alongside the Pakistan Army and Al-Badr , Al-Shams has been accused of participating in widespread atrocities against Bengali nationalists , civilians, and religious and ethnic minorities during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War . Following
9215-414: Was between the Pakistani Army and the liberation forces and their supporters (Indians and Mukti Bahini). To recruit the local populace into fighting the independence movement, two sister organisations Al Badr (literally meaning The Moon, but also has a reference to the famous Battle of Badr ) and Al Shams were formed. The organisation was supported by local wing of Jamaat-e-Islam Pakistan which declared it
9312-605: Was empowered to appeal tribunal decisions. On 25 March 2010, the Awami-led government announced the formation of a three-member tribunal, a seven-member investigation agency, and a twelve-member prosecution team to conduct the trials under the ICT Act 1973. The panel of three judges included Fazle Kabir and Zahir Ahmed, with Mohammed Nizamul Huq as chairman. Abdul Matin, Abdur Rahim, Kutubur Rahman, Shamsul Arefin, Mir Shahidul Islam, Nurul Islam and M. Abdur Razzak Khan were appointed to assist
9409-519: Was stopped as thousands of people took to the streets, formed human chains and stood in silence. A Bangladesh Premier League game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium halted for three minutes, as players and supporters observed the silence. Parliamentarians and the police also joined the protest. Bengali singer Kabir Suman wrote a song entitled "Tin Minit" ("Three Minutes") in honour of
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